NEW MEXICO TRAVEL GUIDE

a few weeks ago i was able to go to new mexico for a quick 5 day work trip with the tourism company . it was my first time visiting new mexico and they planned a bunch of activities starting in albuquerque, then in santa fe, and ending in taos. i DEFINITELY want to go back and explore more with justin, i think we would really enjoy seeing more there together. it’s really the perfect place to go and road trip around.

we flew into albuquerque and headed to our hotel, . the property has 50 rooms spread out on a working lavender farm, which was so beautiful and relaxing. we got to take a few little workshops in the greenhouse with some of the farmers, wandered in their amazing gift shop and cafe, and dined at the delicious (their restaurant on the property). we didn’t get much time to explore around albuquerque, but i really recommend staying on this farm and enjoying everything the property has to offer.

here are some of the highlights of my trip!

the next day we drove about an hour to santa fe. our first stop was the wild and crazy art installation ! it’s hard to even explain this museum in words. it kinda feels like pee wee’s playhouse in there. it’s psychedelic, experimental, fascinating, exciting, weird…there are tons of hidden doors and secret passageways. the group had mixed feelings about it, but i think it’s worth checking out. i personally wasn’t as inspired by the art, but i did love the experience! you get to go into a washing machine and end up in another room…so you kinda just have to do it.

SEE THE WHOLE TRIP POST AFTER THE JUMP…

we stayed at the hotel santa fe. it was nice, traditional, comfortable. good location. not that cool, but it was a good spot.

we went to the new tequila bar, , at the (i kinda wish we had stayed there). it was ADORABLE. go there for a margarita for sure! the art on the walls inspired me for a long while.

the next day we had some free time to explore downtown santa fe. there are tons of charming historic buildings and handmade treasures lining the streets.

here are some of my faves in santa fe:

SHOP

definitely just walk around the plaza so you can see all of the authentic indian jewelry vendors. i found some special gifts for people i love here. these stores are also great:

(wow, eye candy)(the rugs are insanely cool)(amazing selection of Zuni carvings and jewelry. i took home one Zuni fetish for me and one for justin and they mean a lot to us!)

EAT

(for brunch, classic new mexican food)
for lunch (i loved the corn cakes and the smoothies!)(for the enchiladas and the green chile stew. great spot for an authentic dinner)(casual, great tacos!)

and don’t miss the if you are a fan of her work. i loved walking through here (it’s small).

there are also a lot of open air markets you can look up or just run across on the weekend. luckily the downtown area is walkable and not overwhelming so you can squeeze a lot in! and check out for quirky art galleries.

then we drove to taos. unfortunately because of some complications we weren’t able to explore the actual town of taos but we did spend the night there and the drive was gorgeous. i can’t wait to go back someday soon! on our way, we stopped at the for a dip in their hot springs and a mudbath…

it was surrounded by giant red rocks and was a real sight to see! it snowed while we were there even, which was kinda fun.

we spent the night in individual trailers at . the staff was super sweet there and the desert views were pretty inspiring. in the morning a few people in our group made a homemade breakfast in the trailers.

our last adventure in taos was the ! these were so interesting and unique to see. they are solar houses that are made of both natural and upcycled materials such as earth-packed tires. and see all of those silver circles above? all cans! cool, huh?

again, i can’t wait to go back to new mexico, it was a truly magical place with so much history and beauty. if you have a favorite spot there, let me know in the comments please! xx bri

11 COMMENTS

Wow your trip to New Mexico looks like so much fun! I totally wanted to check out Ojo Spa and mud bath, we were going to go last year but our daughter was 8 months so we thought it wouldn’t have worked out. Maybe we will go this year for my bday! You totally have to check out the llama trekking in Taos! we went hiking with llamas instead! It was such a fun experience that I highly recommend! We even brought our daughter with us (Here is a link about our adventure if you are interested:)

New Mexico really is one of the best road tripping states the US has to offer. Some of the most amazing things to see and do are well off the beaten path. There are some really beautiful, not so insane, earth ships available to rent on vrbo. We rented Dennis Wever’s one year and it was legit! I definitely think you’d dig the town of taos. Oh! And if you’re back in Santa Fe, the saint Francis is way more up your alley I think. We stayed at hotel Santa Fe once & it was just a little too formal and a little too upscale native (if that’s a thing 😂) for us.

Love your pictures, looks like a great time! Passed through NM a while back during a road trip, but have never actually explored. Looks like an amazing state with so much to offer! Can’t wait to go back someday, there is an international hot air balloon fiesta in Albuquerque in the fall and would love go check that out!

Hey Bri! Thanks for visiting our home. While I’m glad that you enjoyed yourself, I do feel that you should educate yourself on NM as a state. Tourism is good, but tourism without education is commodification, which is part of the history of New Mexico, and Santa Fe specifically. We aren’t as trendy as you may like, but that’s mostly due to the fact that we have some of the highest rates of poverty, a terrible education system, and an indigenous population that has been co-opted instead of aided. I hope that everyone gets a chance to visit NM, it’s wonderful – but understanding your place in our cultural context is key.

I’m a New Mexican now living in California, but I miss NM every day. As another poster said, it is fraught with poverty and a horrible public education system, but the culture is rich and the art is amazing. I think you would have enjoyed Albuquerque had you been able to explore it more. The Nob Hill Area is quirky and cute, and Old Town sells the same art and jewelry as Taos or Santa Fe for, like, half the price. The tramway is spectacular. If you go back, try to go back during the Balloon Fiesta! The green chile roasts start then, and the balloons are magical! I do hope you’ll go back and tell more people about your visit! Cheers!

Thank you for this beautiful posting of your travels thru New Mexico. I too am a native New Mexican, living in California (Navy) and I miss my home sate. It is called the Land of Enchantment for a reason. The blue of the sky, the smell of rain, the flavors of the food (not Mexican but New Mexican food-red or green!) The drive from Santa Fe to Taos is amazing, and exploring northern New Mexico in a car is magical. Try to visit Ghost Ranch- the home and landscape of Georgia O’Keeffe, about an hour outside of Santa Fe. Just outside of Taos is the D.H.Lawrence Ranch and a small memorial building with a Phoenix, where Lawrence is buried. There too will you see the D.H.Lawrence tree that O’Keeffe painted for him. The Taos Pueblo is also nearby. The native american spirit is alive in this magical area. Yes the state is poor, but the culture is rich and if you see the night sky you will be forever changed.